In the past, the ‘Prince’ has been defined exclusively through his ‘toughness’ and inability to show fear: he is the savior, never he-who-needed-to-be-saved. One could even argue that this film says a lot about how power and strength are defined through a problematic view of masculinity in animated features. What is particularly interesting (and controversial) about these characters is how they embrace what is traditionally viewed as masculine energy: they are always tough, unemotional, unromantic and less relationship-oriented. “Raya and the Last Dragon,” with an almost entirely female cast, certainly shows this new side of Disney that celebrates different types of women as opposed to the traditional damsel-in-distress that the company has become known for. We’ve seen this warrior/adventurer female lead in “Moana,” “Frozen,” “Zootopia” and even “Wreck-it-Ralph,” which all promote the idea of the strong, self-assured woman, who therefore has no need to trust anyone. It is important to note that the handling of trust as a theme is directly connected to Disney’s ambition to create the modern empowered princess as a direct contrast to the “old” Disney Princess who relied on a man. At times in the film, Disney demonizes it, and then the finale takes on a wildly different approach it feels like Disney is saying that you have an obligation to trust anyone, even when they have not earned it. These conflicting messages make it extremely unclear what Disney says about trust and its role in society. Raya cannot trust Sisu after being betrayed early on in the film, it almost ends in her losing her friend forever. She almost gets turned to stone by the Druun only to end up being saved thanks to Raya. Sisu trusts the Chief of Talon, the evil leader of one of the other nations. Trust is presented in a contradictory manner throughout the film. The plot has several cliche moments, specifically in a way it addresses unity and trust. On the other hand, the story is not nearly as impressive. As a result, the blending of all these different ideas is a representation of the real-life need for us to come together as a nation.
The movie’s cultural and cinematographic influences alike connect back to the central theme of unity in the face of darkness, meaning ‘The Druun’ in the film, but a polarizing political climate in reality.
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This allows a pan-Asian influence to shine through in the film.Īside from the settings, “Raya and the Last Dragon” also borrows ideas and imagery from other pieces of media (some with a pan-Asian influence as well), including the creature designs of “Spirited Away,” the divided-lands dynamic of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” the elaborate quests of the Indiana Jones series and perhaps even a little “Game of Thrones.” How could you not see the parallels with Daenerys and her dragons in Raya and Sisu’s relationship, which is both a partnership and a maternal bond? Each of the five lands clearly takes inspiration from real places, such as one that depicts a version of the iconic floating market in Bangkok. Each character has a distinct look from different parts of Asia that remove the generic “Asian” stereotype. The film takes place in an unspecified part of Asia and consistently makes references that honor its heritage. Infused with myriad cultural inspirations, “Raya and the Last Dragon” feels like one of Disney’s most novel films to date.
Raya’s only hope of stopping it is to seek the help of the last dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina), in hunting down the pieces of a gem that mends reality. When a conflict in one of the divided homelands breaks the gemstone that once defeated the evil, the Druun returns. Kumandra is a beautiful land where dragons and humans coexisted until the Druun turned dragons to stone and caused a deep fracturing among people. Despite her strength and willpower, she can only complete her mission by putting trust in her sidekick Tuk Tuk and the band of misfits she meets along the way. In a melting pot of influential media and sociopolitical messaging, Disney presents the story of a lone dragon rider named Raya who is determined to save her homeland from an evil force known as the Druun. Disney +’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” introduces Disney’s newest warrior princess, Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), and the mythical kingdom of Kumandra.